Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas was the world's largest cruise ship when it debuted in 1999, and its arrival marked the beginning of a new era of larger, more amenity-filled vessels at the line. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

At 137,276 tons, Voyager of the Seas initially was considered so large that it would never sail anywhere outside of the Caribbean. Still, as cruising has grown worldwide in recent years, Royal Caribbean has redeployed the vessel to Europe, Asia and Australia. Here, it's docked in Sydney in November 2012. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas was the first of five similar Voyager Class vessels that debuted between 1999 and 2003. It can carry 3,114 passengers at double occupancy, with a total capacity of 3,840 passengers. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

One of the most notable features of Voyager of the Seas at the time of its debut was its width of 157.5 feet, which allowed for such groundbreaking new amenities as an interior, mall-like Royal Promenade. It was one of the first cruise ships that was too wide to fit through the Panama Canal. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The main pool deck on Voyager of the Seas is home to one of the ship's three pools and four of six hot tubs. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas' main pool deck is more than 150 feet wide with lounge seating spread over two decks. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

One of two large hot tubs on Voyager of the Seas' main pool deck is reserved for adults. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas broke new ground in cruising when it debuted in 1999 with what at the time was an unusual number of deck-top activities such as rock climbing (now a staple of Royal Caribbean ships). Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas also offers a full-size basketball court, part of a deck-top sports complex at the back of the ship. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

A nine-course miniature golf course called Voyager Dunes sprawls around the back of the vessel's top deck. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Another view of the Voyager of the Seas' miniature golf course. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas' deck-top sports complex also is home to an inline-skating track. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Table tennis is another deck-top activity. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

A jogging track encircles the top deck of Voyager of the Seas, with five laps making a mile. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Passengers staying in top suites on Voyager of the Seas receive special gold cards that give them access to private lounge areas near the ship's main pool. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

A secluded sunning area located above the main pool deck. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

More outdoor seating atop Voyager of the Seas. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

A quiet seating area is located at the front of the ship, far from the main pool. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The Viking Crown Lounge, a hallmark of Royal Caribbean ships, overlooks the main pool deck. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Royal Caribbean has placed signs around Voyager of the Seas' pool areas that discourage passengers from saving chairs with personal items. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The adult-only, Roman-themed Solarium is a quiet area near the ship's spa that features a swimming pool, lounge chairs and two hot tubs. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas sailed a series of cruises from China in 2012 for the first time, prompting Royal Caribbean to add Chinese language signage around the ship's pool areas and elsewhere. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Pool area signs also are available in English. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas has a dedicated children's area called Adventure Ocean that includes an outdoor play area called Adventure Beach. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The Adventure Beach play area includes a small water slide for toddlers. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Like a growing number of Royal Caribbean ships, Voyager of the Seas has an indoor/outdoor Johnny Rockets burger eatery. Located near the ship's arcade and teen lounge, it's a popular hangout for the younger set on board. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Located on Deck 4, an outdoor promenade offers passengers a quiet place to stroll, gaze out over the ocean and play shuffleboard. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

One of the great innovations found on Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas is its four-deck-high interior Royal Promenade. The ship was the first of 10 at Royal Caribbean to debut with such a feature, made possible by the vessel's width. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas' Royal Promenade is home to bars, shops and food outlets. It serves as a central meeting place, or "town square," for passengers on the ship. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The champagne-serving Champagne Bar is located along the Royal Promenade on Deck 5. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The bar area of the Champagne Bar. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The Royal Promenade's General Store sells everyday items including toiletries, albeit at a hefty mark-up from prices on land. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The Scoreboard Sports Bar, located along the Royal Promenade, features televisions programmed to sporting events around the world. A red Morgans sports car that once belonged to Royal Caribbean chairman Richard Fain sits in front of the bar. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

One of the most popular venues along the Royal Promenade is the Pig & Whistle, a British-style pub with indoor and outdoor seating. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The Pig & Whistle features live music nightly and serves a wide range of beers including Guinness and Bass Ale. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Shops along the Royal Promenade include a Coach store selling handbags. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

A glimpse inside the Coach store on Voyager of the Seas. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Cafe Promenade on the Royal Promenade serves small sandwiches, pizza and pastries at no extra charge. Ben & Jerry's ice cream also is available for an extra fee, as are Starbucks coffee drinks. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Of 939 cabins with an ocean-view, 707 have balconies. The balconies feature two chairs and a small circular table. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Cabin balconies on Voyager of the Seas are partially enclosed from the elements, as can be seen here in a picture taken while the ship was sailing in New Zealand's Milford Sound. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Every cabin on Voyager of the Seas has a safe located in a closet area. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The front of Voyager of the Seas, as seen from the ship's forward Observation Deck. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Located on Deck 5, the Observation Deck is a good place to watch passing scenery. It's at the very front tip of Voyagers of the Seas -- an area not always open to passengers on cruise ships. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Passengers gaze out over New Zealand's glacier-carved Doubtful Sound from the Promenade Deck of Royal Caribbean's Voyager of the Seas. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Emergency life rafts are located along the Promenade Deck, in addition to lifeboats. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Receptacles for recyclable trash are a common site around Voyager of the Seas. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The business services lounge includes a staffed desk where passengers can book future cruises. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

The Guest Relations desk is staffed around-the-clock with crew members who can answer passenger questions about billing and other issues. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Passengers can book shore excursions at the ship's Explorations Desk, located on Deck 5 off the Royal Promenade. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY

Voyager of the Seas also offer a small space for conferences and meetings held on board the vessel. The Conference Center has room for 400 people. Gene Sloan, USA TODAY